I can't say enough good things about the feel of the outdoor space, visible from the interior ... even though the restaurant looks the same, it feels like a new place. With Gingrass-Paik starring in the kitchen, Brix is again a good place to go for a comfortable, relaxed Wine Country experience.

Though Bauer is still not sold on the look of the remodeled interior ("something of a design mishmash"), you know the Big Fella loves the Gingrass-Paik's seasonal menu, inspired straight from that adjacent 16-acre garden. The end result is an upgrade to the 2.5-star level, which per the archives is the highest Brix has had in its four reviews. [Chron]

Meredith Brody is the major critic to pass judgment on Midi, Michelle Mah's modern brasserie on Sutter Street. Brody digs the cocktail program, but overall isn't terribly impressed with the Joie de Vivre production, due in part to some admittedly lofty comparisons: "I realized that part of my disappointment with Midi stemmed from recent visits to Range and Zuni Cafe ... Midi paled a bit in comparison. But nowadays — and in my opinion, always — $13 starters and $24 main courses should be more than just pleasant if you want your clientele to eagerly return." [SFW]